| #1zombiegleemaxJul 23, 2004 9:38:27 | Hello
Is there somebody in the big world that could explain me what is Mystara exactly ? I know only a few about this universe...what are the differences with , for example , the Forgotten Realms ? For how long has it been created ?
Thanx a lot , and greetings from France ! |
| #3stanlesJul 23, 2004 16:22:32 | Originally posted by Griselame
Hello
Is there somebody in the big world that could explain me what is Mystara exactly ? I know only a few about this universe...what are the differences with , for example , the Forgotten Realms ? For how long has it been created ?
Thanx a lot , and greetings from France !
another good soruce of information for the answer to this question is on the Vaults a file called "Talking 3E for Mystara". It is written by Bruce Heard but ten points he put forward that define Mystara are reproduced below.
DEFINING MYSTARA
This general list summarises major features defining Mystara's feel as a world setting. It includes comments made by several people and remains open, should other relevant features come to light.
1) Mystaran Cosmogony: Mystara is a separate universe independent from the Spelljammer/Planescape reality. Mystara has a magical sky shield, and anti-magic ring, polar openings, an entire hollow world, an invisible moon, etc.
2) The Known World's Structure: Distinctions by culture in smaller areas vs. distinctions mostly by race across larger areas. All areas of the Known World are clearly defined by their borders and very well detailed (geographic features, population figures, etc).
3) Real World Inspiration: Mystaran cultures are fantasised adaptations of RW historical models. On the other hand, very different cultures are often immediately adjacent regardless of RW racial or geographic models.
4) Cultural Dynamics: most Mystaran cultures and races show complex interactive links between each other and on-going master-plots driving their past and present histories. No culture is considered truly evil or good, as such perceptions are based upon local misconceptions and biases.
5) Politics/Economy: Well-developed economy and politics among people and nations remain a trademark of Mystara. Decisions made by the various rulers have a direct impact on everyday life. Seeking either to become rulers or get involved with the business of established heads of states is a recurrent feature for adventurers.
6) High Fantasy/High Magic: Mystara blends a high degree of magic into its system. Regions like Nithia, Alphatia, and Glantri have developed specific fields of magic (constructs, flying ships, Secret Crafts, etc) to a high degree. Nearly every region has its own brand of magic -- some cultural, some job-oriented, some racial, etc.
7) Multifaceted NPCs: Each realm harbours a multitude of well-developed heroes, villains, and leaders (and as many guilds and secret sects) cast interchangeably as allies OR enemies on the whim of the DM and the PC's own biases. Mystaran NPCs demonstrate motives, misconceptions, and alliances DESIGNED to entangle with one another, behind the scenes.
8) Role-Reversals: Where else would lycanthropes seek to PUBLICLY establish themselves as a political lobby, or subterranean elves be NICER than some of their surface-elves rivals, or merfolk cheerfully explain how humans evolved from THEM...? Mystara frequently allows what-ifs, thought-experiments, and in-jokes to be explored, where other settings would dismiss them as silly or frivolous. Many non-human races are also available as PCs in Mystara.
9) Immortality: Characters and monsters can become divine beings, which in turn affects "religion" in Mystara. The personality, motivations, and abilities of Immortals are highly detailed, as well as their interaction with mortals. Immortals are not related to gods of other game settings.
10) Game Restrictions: These are legacies of Mystara's original game system which limited in particular racial and character abilities as well as certain monster types. It is generally assumed that NPCs created for the Known World should conform to the original model. However, character and racial features available in 3E should remain largely available for PCs. Regions outside of the Known World are also fairly tolerant of 3E character types and monsters. Highly intelligent monsters are usually adapted specifically to one of Mystara's settings. Gun powder is not available, except for smokepowder in the Savage Coast region. Psionics are also alien to Mystara.
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